Geotechnical surveys have begun for the 165MW Lillebaelt Syd offshore wind project in Denmark.
The 11-turbine offshore wind farm is owned by TotalEnergies (72.25%), European Energy (15%), and Danish utility company SONFOR (12.75%).
Over the coming months, a mobile drilling platform (pictured) will be performing drilling and testing at each of the turbine locations.
The aim of these geotechnical surveys is to obtain detailed knowledge of the seabed so that turbine foundations can be planned accurately and safely.
The latest stage of work follows on from geophysical surveys at the wind farm site, during which vessels collected data on water depth and physical conditions of the seabed.
“We are entering this important stage of further measurement of the seabed that we need for the actual design and construction phase of the turbine placement and the cable route to shore,” said Zhanar Dreisig, asset manager at TotalEnergies Denmark.
“Both the geophysical surveys, with 3D measurement, and the geotechnical surveys with test drillings are progressing as planned, and we expect to have the full data result by the end of the year.”
European Energy’s vice president and head of offshore wind Andreas Karhula Lauridsen said: “Launching these surveys is the final phase of our site investigations before we can make the final decision on the design of the Lillebaelt Syd offshore wind farm.
“The surveys form the foundation for a project that is carefully adapted to local conditions and designed with a focus on gentle implementation.”
Later this year, more onshore and offshore geotechnical surveys will be carried out for the export cables that will connect the offshore wind farm to shore, and then to the local grid. These surveys are expected to continue until late 2025.
Comprehensive environmental assessments have been approved by the Danish Energy Agency to ensure that the necessary measures are taken to protect nature and the marine environment in the area.
The technical surveys of the seabed are being conducted in line with this and with the least impact on the marine environment.
Construction of the Lillebaelt Syd wind farm is expected to start in 2027, with commissioning scheduled for 2029.
The latest phase of work at Lillebaelt Syd comes after a month of geotechnical surveys at the 240MW Jammerland Bugt offshore wind farm in Denmark.
The Jammerland Bugt project is located in the Bay of Jammerland, bordered by the municipality of Kalundborg in Denmark, and is owned by TotalEnergies (85%) and European Energy (15%).